CASE STUDIES

Data isn’t just numbers. It’s the foundation of smarter decision-making.

“Steve Parsons was able to tell the story of our group by analyzing the numbers. He gave us valuable insight on how we got to where we are and provided the data we needed to move forward. It was a benefit to go through his process.”

Scott Wludyga – Superintendent, Ashtabula County Schools Consortium

“In my 28 years representing Organized Labor I have worked with scores of consultants on Taft-Hartley Trusts. However, it's been rare to meet and work with someone like yourself who is able to bring skill and credibility to a situation on the brink of crisis.”

David Blitzstein, UFCW, Washington, DC

“Steve has been hugely and positively impactful to our health board as we have attempted to make adjustments and continue to strengthen our efforts. I would fully endorse Steve to any group looking for his insight and support in this field.”

Daniel Rambler – CEO and Superintendent, Sandusky City Schools

Parsons Risk Strategies (PRS), demonstrates actuarial expertise by combining strong communication skills and actuarial insights to develop strategic foresights. By building sustainable, data-driven systems for the future, Steve Parson’s proactive, collaborative models help clients build funding, risk mitigation and data driven strategies.

Core Skills

Strategic Forecasting & Interactive Modeling
Actuarial Forensics
Governance & Policy Reform

Long-Term Strategy & Vendor Alignment
Highlight Prescription Drug Opportunities
Reserve Strategies

By identifying building upon actuarial assumptions and providing interactive forecasts using stress-tested models, PRS excels in uncovering the real drivers of financial issues, such as claims trends and gaps in risk strategies.

The ability to bring deep understanding of long-term actuarial modeling which emphasizes data driven strategies to help identify vendors that fit the strategy–not the other way around.

Across the case studies, the work done by PRS consistently leads to restored financial stability, long-term strategy development, cost savings and risk mitigation. His actuarial tales are compelling because they’re real–and his strategies work.

Clarity. Strategy. Trust.

CASE STUDY NO. 1

Who: A county with 500 health plan participants

Challenge: Repeated underfunding and catastrophic claims nearly depleted reserves

What PRS Did: PRS performed an independent actuarial review and partnered with the client’s consultant to immediate funding policy, implement a multi-year actuarial model, and restructure governance policies.

Outcome: PRS helped the county regain control of its finances, plan for future large claims, and separate politics from data-driven decision-making.

CASE STUDY NO. 2

Who: A school district consortium with 3,000 participants

Challenge: Outdated reserve policies and lack of understanding around mid-size claims created a $12M reserve shortfall

What PRS Did: PRS introduced a reserve rebuilding plan, stress-tested funding options, and educated trustees on the risks of high-cost claims and inadequate stop-loss coverage.

Outcome: Trustees adopted a modern reserve policy, more frequent engagement, and long-term strategy alignment—setting the group on a financially sustainable path.

CASE STUDY NO. 3

Who: A school district with 400 employees and an very engaged benefits committee

Challenge: Prescription drug costs—especially GLP-1s—were rapidly growing, depleting reserves

What PRS Did: PRS equipped the committee with education, budgeting tools, and a long-term actuarial strategy. Phase 1 was to establish a written funding and reserve policy tied to a 5 year modeler. Phase 2 was working with their consultant to complete a PBM RFP that led to a vendor change that delivered significant cost savings.

Outcome: The district reversed the financial trend, rebuilt reserves, and achieved an estimated 25% savings on prescription drug costs—all while maintaining employee satisfaction.

CASE STUDY NO. 4

Who: A fast-growing, for-profit company with 1,800 employees

Challenge: Leadership had relied on different consultant advice that locked them into an underperforming three-year vendor contracts with inflated costs and minimal strategic oversight

What PRS Did: PRS uncovered critical errors in budget forecasts and vendor selection. He built a five-year actuarial model and recommended vendor flexibility, clinical consulting, and real-time budget alignment.

Outcome: Leadership gained clarity, strategic direction, and a roadmap to escape costly contract traps—transforming from reactive management to proactive stewardship.